Distracted Driving
While you may think changing a playlist or reaching into the backseat is harmless, it's not. Most tasks that are considered could be a normal or routine habit, but even a few seconds of distraction can pull your attention away from what’s happening on the road in front of you. Inattentive driving has consistently ranked among the Patrol’s top five crash causal factors over the past five years.
Taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Texting while driving increases crash risk by up to 23 times. Distracted drivers are more likely to miss changing traffic conditions and are involved in higher-speed crashes with more severe consequences.
Your most important task while in the driver’s seat is to be safe and share the road with others. Driving should never come second when you are behind the wheel, because Seconds Matter.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving isn’t just texting. It’s anything that takes your eyes, hands or focus off the road. Distractions come in many forms, including texting or reading messages, talking on the phone, adjusting music or navigation, eating or tending to children or pets. These behaviors may feel routine, but they are far from safe when driving should be your number one focus.
Be prepared.
Preparation prevents distraction. When you remove the temptation, you reduce the risk, sharpen your focus and create a safer environment for everyone. Before putting your vehicle in drive, take steps to remove distractions.
- Store your phone in a secure location or use your Do Not Disturb setting to prevent notifications
- Set your navigation and queue your playlist or podcast.
- Secure your kids and pets
- Remove food and drink from reach
Colorado’s Hands-Free Law
In Colorado, using a handheld device while driving is against the law. In 2025, the Hands-Free Law expanded its distracted driving legislation to strengthen the state’s hands-free requirements. Drivers are prohibited from holding or manually using an electronic device, including cell phones, for voice calls, texting, watching videos, or any other purpose while driving — unless using a hands-free accessory.
This law also prohibits the use of these devices at red lights. The law exists to keep drivers focused and roads safer for everyone.
The role of the passenger.
Passengers play an important role in roadway safety. Be a co-pilot and assist with directions, manage music or respond to messages so the driver can stay focused. Keep a lookout for hazards such as wildlife, debris or erratic drivers, and calmly alert the driver if needed. If you feel unsafe because a driver is distracted, speak up. Safety is a shared responsibility.
